The Tijuca Forest is all that's left of the Atlantic rain forest that once surrounded Rio de Janeiro. In just 15 minutes you can go from the concrete jungle of Copacabana to the 120-sq-km tropical jungle of the Tijuca National Park. A more rapid and dramatic contrast is hard to imagine. The forest is an exuberant green, with beautiful trees, creeks and waterfalls, mountainous terrain and high peaks. It has an excellent, well marked trail system.

The heart of the forest is the Alto da Boa Vista area, which has many lovely natural and artificial features. Among the highlights of this beautiful park are several waterfalls (taunay, Gabriela and diamantina waterfalls), a 19th century chapel (mayrink) and numerous caves such as: cave Luiz fernandes, Cave Belmiro and cave Paulo e Virginia. Also in the park is a pleasant picnic spot (Bom Retiro) and several restaurants (Os esquilos and restaurant of the forest, which is near the Ruinas do Archer, the ruins of Major Archer's House).

A recommended culinary experience is dining at the open air brunch at the Açude Museum, held on the last Sunday of the month.

The park is home to many different birds and animals species, including Iguanas and monkeys, which you might encounteron one of the excellent day hikes you can make there. Maps can be found at the small artisan shop, just inside the park entrance.

The entire park closes at the sunset. It's best to go by car, but if you can't, catch a bus ( 221, 233 or 234 bus). Alternatively, take the metro to Saens Pena then catch a bus going to Barra da Tijuca and get off at Alto da Boa Vista. The best route by car is to take Jardim Botânico street, two blocks past the Jardim Botânico (heading esta from Gavea). Turn left on Lopes Quintas street and then follow the Tijuca or Corcovado signs for two quick left turns until you reach the back of the Botanical Garden, where you turn right. Then follow the signs for a quick ascent into the forest and past the Vista Chinesa (it means Chinese View). get out for a good views and the Mesa do Imperador, both of which offer some fantastic views of Rio's mountainous seascapes.

As soon as you seen to come out of the Tijuca Forest, turn right onto the main road and you'll see the stone columns at the entrance of Alto da Boa Vista on your left after a couple of kilometres. You can also drive up to Alto da Boa Vista by heading out to Sao Conrado and turning right up the hill at the Tijuca National Park signs.